A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 7-5-290 SO AS TO REQUIRE ORGANIZATIONS THAT INTEND TO CONDUCT VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVES TO REGISTER WITH THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION AND COMPLY WITH CERTAIN OTHER REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-1-25, RELATING TO THE MEANING OF "DOMICILE" FOR VOTING PURPOSES, SO AS TO REMOVE CERTAIN FACTORS FROM CONSIDERATION IN DETERMINING A PERSON'S DOMICILE, AND TO CLARIFY THAT A PERSON IS CONSIDERED TO HAVE CHANGED HIS DOMICILE IF HE REGISTERS TO VOTE OR VOTES IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-3-20, RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, SO AS TO INCLUDE OVERSEEING THE REGISTRATION OF THIRD-PARTY VOTER REGISTRATION ORGANIZATIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-3-60, RELATING TO REPORTS OF PERSONS CONVICTED OF CERTAIN OFFENSES FURNISHED BY CLERKS AND MAGISTRATES TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, SO AS TO ALSO REQUIRE QUARTERLY REPORTS OF PERSONS WHO HAVE INDICATED IN RESPONSE TO JUROR SUMMONSES THAT THEY ARE NOT UNITED STATES CITIZENS; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-5-170, RELATING TO INFORMATION CONTAINED ON VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS, SO AS TO REQUIRE AN APPLICANT TO PROVIDE HIS DRIVER'S LICENSE OR STATE IDENTIFICATION CARD NUMBER OR, IF NONE, HIS SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-5-185, RELATING TO ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION, SO AS TO REQUIRE AN APPLICANT'S DRIVER'S LICENSE OR STATE IDENTIFICATION CARD NUMBER, OR THE LAST FOUR DIGITS OF HIS SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER; BY AMENDING SECTION 7-25-10, RELATING TO FALSE SWEARING IN APPLYING FOR REGISTRATION, SO AS TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS SECTION; AND BY ADDING SECTION 7-25-25 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO KNOWINGLY FILL OUT INFORMATION ON ANOTHER PERSON'S VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATION WITHOUT THAT PERSON'S KNOWLEDGE, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.
Impact
By amending definitions of domicile and requiring detailed reporting from voter registrars, this bill significantly impacts the regulatory landscape surrounding voter registration in South Carolina. The bill stipulates penalties for third-party organizations that fail to register or timely submit voter applications, aiming to prevent unauthorized drives and increase compliance with state laws. The intention is to create a more structured environment for voter registration, which could potentially streamline the process while also enhancing the integrity of voter registration efforts.
Summary
House Bill 3459 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws concerning voter registration drives and related activities. The bill introduces new requirements for organizations that wish to conduct voter registration, mandating them to register with the State Election Commission. This aims to provide a regulatory framework for third-party voter registration organizations, establishing their legitimacy and accountability in the voter registration process. Additionally, the bill modifies existing sections of the law to clarify definitions and enhance oversight regarding voter registration activities.
Contention
However, there are notable points of contention surrounding HB 3459. Critics argue that tightening regulations on third-party voter registration may restrict access to voter registration for marginalized groups, potentially leading to unintended disenfranchisement. Supporters of the bill contend that the measures prevent fraud and ensure that voter registration is conducted fairly and transparently. As the discussions unfold, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact voter engagement and participation in the larger electoral process.